Technology Trends in the Classroom

In today's classroom there are many different technological trends used by teachers and students. It is important for teachers to remain relevant and use technology to enhance the students' classroom experience and increase student learning. Through research I have found several trendy pieces of technology and created examples of how I would use them in an English classroom.

Smore

www.smore.com is a website that allows you to create a virtual "flyer."

The benefits:

pre-designed themes/templates

easily embed youtube videos, sound cloud, images from google or files

able to be public or private

comments are available

Below I have included an example of a Smore flyer that I created for Catcher in the Rye

you can find more information about the benefits and uses of Smore at https://www.commonsensemedia.org/website-reviews/smore

Thinglink

Thinkglink.com is a website that allows you to virtually manipulate an uploaded image. You are able to add interactive icons anywhere on the image. The icons allows you to give more information either through text, pictures, music, or youtube video.

The benefits:

each project can be added to a specific channel

you are able to easily search and embed content

there is a helpful user guide

available online and as an iPad application

Below I have included an example of a Thinglink that I created for Frankenstein

you can find more information about the benefits and uses of Blendspace at https://www.graphite.org/website/blendspace

Glogster

Glogster.com is a website that allows users to create a virtual poster board. You are able to add backgrounds, use pre-made templates, embed videos, songs, images, and there is a wide variety of thematic-based picture frames, buttons, and graphics available.

The benefits:

easily add images, graphics, and different multimedia elements

able to add comments to individual glogsters

pre-made templates available

available online and as an iPad application

Below I have included an example of a Glogster that I created for The Death of a Salesman

Easel.ly

Easel.ly.com is a website that allows users to create professional and eye-catching info graphics. It is setup at a flyer that allows users to give statistics in different graphical displays and add images and text as well.

The benefits:

easily create info graphics for statistical information

graphics available to give students the chance to make their project personal

there are pre-made templates available

Below I have included an example of a Easel.ly that I created for To Kill a Mockingbird